way to keep their pet supplied with fresh, running water and gives them an alert when it needs refilled. Furbo, the interactive pet camera, is an appliance for those who want to be with their pets but have to leave them home alone. This camera allows an owner to communicate with their pet through their phone, throw them a treat, and play games with them! One piece of technology that’s especially for cat owners is the cat containment system. This system is for backyards and keeps cats from climbing over fences. For people who run errands with their pets but don’t want to leave them in the car or take them in the store, there are smart dog houses, which are climate-controlled dog houses that lock and keep the pet calm and safe while the owner is inside the store.(Howarth, 2022) In 2021, Americans spent $245 billion on new and improved technology and other items for their pets, which not only included technology, but also the purchase of the pet itself, their food, bedding, toys, and other necessities needed for their beloved companions.(Eby, 2022) A niche market allowing many to make a profit while working from home is homemade dog treats. Producers can make anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per month when they first start this business and then, as their business grows, they can make anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 per month! That may sound odd to you, but as many people research and discover what is in their pet’s treats and food, they decide that they can make better, healthier, and cheaper food themselves! While making their own treats, using simple, easily-sourced ingredients, they can simply make extra and sell to others to make profit to continue the process.(Davies, 2022) There are many ways that people can become part of the pet industry to help it continue to grow
in a positive way. Veterinarians, pet sitters, and groomers are just three examples of the many careers in this large industry. Pet food producers are also a big part in this line of business. In fact, Missouri is the top producer of dog food, with the top producing company being Mars Petcare, Inc., located in Kansas City (Naish, 2022). One major program in Missouri that helps pets is the Missouri Animal Care Facility Program. This program regulates breeders, shelters, dealers, and boarders to ensure they meet state standards concerning water, feed, veterinary care, shelter, building maintenance, identification, socialization, and recordkeeping requirements. This program oversees 2,100 licenses, including breeding kennels, boarding kennels, dealers, shelters, and pet stores. (M.D.A., 2022) The pet industry is expected to continue growing throughout the future. Right now, the pet industry is worth close to $261 billion and is expected to reach approximately $350 billion by 2027 (Roberts, 2022). The industry increased by 10% in 2020 due to Covid-19, as people were forced to stay inside. Being forced to stay inside without having everyday contact with others like many people were accustomed to led many to the decision to adopt pets to spend their free time with. With all of this being said, it’s clear that the pet industry is a major industry that improves the welfare of pets all across the world. There are many aspects to this industry and many ways for it to continually grow throughout the upcoming years. With more people joining this line of business, more pet-based technology, and more pets being adopted into their forever homes, the pet industry will continue growing in a positive way. “Waffles! WAFFLESSSSS!” Oh, there you are! Come on, let’s go back to your pen!” 11
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